As the global economy pivots towards decarbonisation, Indian exporters are facing mounting pressure to align with international climate standards. With the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on the horizon, preparedness is no longer optional, it is a strategic imperative.
In response to this shifting landscape, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with KarbonWise, conducted a comprehensive three-day virtual training programme in May 2025. The Intermediate Training on ‘Carbon Accounting and CBAM’ equipped 20 representatives from Indian and European companies operating in India with the tools and knowledge necessary to meet shifting expectations and seize emerging opportunities in sustainable trade.
Over the first two days, participants were introduced to the basics of carbon accounting, including how emissions are categorised into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from energy), and Scope 3 (value chain emissions). Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol as a reference framework, the sessions outlined how companies can begin to structure internal processes for tracking and calculating emissions in a structured way.
The training placed special focus on product-level carbon footprinting, a core component of CBAM. Participants explored how to estimate emissions at the product level by identifying materials, energy use, and production processes. Real-world examples and simplified case exercises were used to demonstrate how product carbon footprints are calculated and reported.
On Day 3, the focus shifted to CBAM itself. The session walked through the policy’s scope, timeline, and current reporting obligations under the transitional phase (2023–2025). Since EU importers, rather than Indian exporters, are directly responsible for CBAM reporting, the training clarified what kind of data EU buyers may expect from their suppliers. Participants were encouraged to assess whether their products fall under the current list of CBAM-covered goods categories (aluminium, iron and steel, cement, hydrogen, fertilisers, and electricity) and begin conversations with EU buyers where relevant.
The training also covered practical steps to manage carbon accounting in line with international standards and CBAM. These included identifying relevant teams, setting up basic systems for data collection and documentation, and understanding the differences between company-level and product-level data. Emphasis was placed on the importance of scalable processes and systems, keeping in mind other business goals. In line with this, the KarbonWise platform was demonstrated to show how digital tools can support emissions tracking, report generation, and CBAM readiness.
The training came at a crucial time. As climate policies increasingly shape international trade, the ability to provide accurate and reliable emission data is becoming a must-have. Through this collaboration, IGCC and KarbonWise offered companies operating in India hands-on support to get ahead of the curve.
For any inquiries regarding future training batches, or support services related to the topic, please write to sustainmarkets@indo-german.com
